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CANADA WARBLER PROJECT

The Canada warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) is one of the least studied warblers in North America; it is a regular migrant and local breeder at the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory (LSLBO). Some research suggests that populations have declined steadily for the past 30 years, Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data show a negative population trend, while trends from the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) show an overall slow decline.

Locally breeding populations are being studied to better understand the breeding ecology of this species. This study will attempt to determine:

Preliminary results from 2003 suggest a long-term project is feasible and warrants further effort. Approximately 50 adults were colour-banded within the study site, adjacent to our Migration Monitoring station and partially overlapping three MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) sites.

This research will largely depend on volunteer work from interested birders, researchers, and aspiring students. Research will be based out of existing facilities under the guidance of the Bander-in-Charge (bic@lslbo.org) who will direct research activities and projects. This project will occur annually between late-May until early to mid-August. Interested individuals should contact the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory about volunteering to help conduct research on one of the least studied birds in North America.